Large birds can live a very, very long time—50-70-plus years is not uncommon. Unlike dogs or cats, they don’t die in a few years. Unless you are 5, your bird could well outlive you. Parrots do not make good pets, and I strongly advocate against anyone who has no previous experience with the larger birds from getting one. My wife and I support several parrot rescue organizations, and they all tell the same sad tale. They are booked to capacity with birds that were given up by people who didn’t know what they were getting themselves into or birds that have outlived their caregivers. My vet will even tell you sadder tales of coming into work and finding birds abandoned on her doorstep. She calls them “dumps.” Let me share with you some things to consider before thinking about bringing a parrot into your life.

Parrots are not domesticated animals. They are wild animals that have adapted to captivity. Unpredictability is to be expected. I have been bitten more times than I can remember by misreading a bird’s intent. And these are the ones I’ve shared my life with for more than 30 years! A parrot bite can be severe enough to require medical attention. My wife and I have the scars to prove it.

Parrots are exceptionally intelligent with the mental capacity of a 2-year-old human and share many of the same traits. They throw food. They throw tantrums. They bite. They scream for attention, loudly (a cockatoo scream is 100 db compared with 130 db for a jet engine at 100 feet). And they’re not potty-trained.